Santos Gets Closing Job

Not long after writing my last post about hoping to see Aeros lefty Reid Santos get a shot as the closer for the team, guess what happens?

Of course, it happened by default, as Santos simply slid into the role when veteran right-hander Bubbie Buzachero was promoted to Triple-A.

Buzachero got the nod recently when the Indians demoted (and most likely have lost) reliever Jason Davis, causing a chain reaction of moves that sent Buffalo closer Edward Mujica to Cleveland, Buzachero to the Bisons and Santos...well into the closer's role in Akron.

I don't know for sure if the kid can close, but right now he's the best candidate - especially among a bullpen even manager Tim Bogar admits is "going through a rough patch right now.''

Closing is a weird thing in the minors. In many respects, closers aren't necessarily "developed", meaning they may close at one level and just be part of the bullpen mix at the next.

Take for example my favorite Aeros closer of the last five years - Rafael Betancourt. Betancourt may take forever on the mound, but he was near perfect for Akron the season he closed. Still, since he made it to the Indians, he's been a set up guy.

Is Reid Santos the answer to the Aeros problems late in games? I'm not sure. But I'm willing to sit and watch to find out.